Jets Likely To Make A Pre-Draft Splash With Free Agency Or Trade

[b]New York Jets likely to make a pre-draft splash with free agency or trade; plan to sign Neil Rackers[/b]
BY [url="http://www.nydailynews.com/authors/Rich%20Cimini"][color="#015fb6"]Rich Cimini[/color][/url]
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Monday, April 5th 2010, 4:00 AM

[img]http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2010/04/05/alg_rackers.jpg[/img] [b]Gross/Getty[/b][b]Former Arizona Cardinals kicker Neil Rackers will likely sign with the New York Jets this week.[/b]

The [url="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/New+York+Jets"][color="#015fb6"]Jets[/color][/url] have gone three weeks since their last significant player move - the signing of [url="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/LaDainian+Tomlinson"][color="#015fb6"]LaDainian Tomlinson[/color][/url]. In their world, that's an eternity, but it doesn't mean they're out of tricks.They're not planning to go peacefully into the April 22 draft. League insiders believe ever-aggressive [url="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Mike+Tannenbaum"][color="#015fb6"]GM Mike Tannenbaum[/color][/url] may have a surprise or two before the Jets shift into draft mode. Considering the timing - 10 days before the deadline for signing restricted free agents - it's possible the Jets are preparing to plunge into the RFA market.

That is sure to ratchet up the speculation regarding [url="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Brandon+Marshall"][color="#015fb6"]Brandon Marshall[/color][/url], but league sources continued to maintain yesterday that the Jets aren't interested in signing or trading for the [url="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Denver+Broncos"][color="#015fb6"]Broncos[/color][/url] wide receiver.

One move that could happen this week involves the kicking situation. Now that [url="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Jay+Feely"][color="#015fb6"]Jay Feely[/color][/url] has signed with the [url="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Arizona+Cardinals"][color="#015fb6"]Cardinals[/color][/url], the Jets are planning to visit with unrestricted free agent [url="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Neil+Rackers"][color="#015fb6"]Neil Rackers[/color][/url], who spent the last seven seasons with the Cards.

Rackers, 33, is scheduled to arrive tonight and will meet tomorrow with Jets officials, sources confirmed. The Jets already have recently signed veteran [url="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Nick+Folk"][color="#015fb6"]Nick Folk[/color][/url] on the roster - he signed Feb. 23, when talks with Feely hit an impasse - but Folk is coming off a bad year and they may want to add a more reliable kicker to compete with him.

Rackers is a 78% career field-goal kicker (not counting two big misses in last season's playoffs) and is widely regarded as the top kicker remaining on the market. The [url="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Baltimore+Ravens"][color="#015fb6"]Ravens[/color][/url] and [url="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Cincinnati+Bengals"][color="#015fb6"]Bengals[/color][/url] also are believed to be interested.

By rule, the Jets now are eligible to sign an unrestricted free agent to replace Feely, but as a "Final Eight" team, they can't sign a player to a greater first-year salary than the one they lost. Based on Feely's contract, that means they have about $1.25 million to play with. It's not enough to make a huge splash, but it should be enough to secure Rackers or another kicker.

The Jets have needs at wide receiver, defensive line and quarterback (a veteran backup), so it's possible Tannenbaum is plotting a pre-draft move to plug one or more holes with a trade and/or free-agent signing. The team has acknowledged an interest in former Bengals and Jets [url="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Laveranues+Coles"][color="#015fb6"]wide receiver Laveranues Coles[/color][/url], a free agent.

The Jets are also interested in locking up two of their young stars, cornerback [url="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Darrelle+Revis"][color="#015fb6"]Darrelle Revis[/color][/url] and [url="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Nick+Mangold"][color="#015fb6"]center Nick Mangold[/color][/url], to long-term deals.

The Jets own the 29th pick in the upcoming draft, but that doesn't mean they will pick in that spot. Tannenbaum has traded up in two of the last three drafts to select Revis and quarterback [url="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Mark+Sanchez"][color="#015fb6"]Mark Sanchez[/color][/url], and he won't hesitate to move up for an elite player.

I don't think we make a move a DE, I think we sign Coles and draft defense.

[/quote]

If we sign Coles again i am going to be pissed. We finally got away from the cry baby, he has barely anything left in the tank, and we already have ball catching issues with Braylon, we do not need to add another pair of unreliable hands to the mix. drafting a receiver would be better in every possibly way.

[quote name='Clemens11' date='05 April 2010 - 02:18 PM' timestamp='1270495096' post='299452']
If we sign Coles again i am going to be pissed. We finally got away from the cry baby, he has barely anything left in the tank, and we already have ball catching issues with Braylon, we do not need to add another pair of unreliable hands to the mix. drafting a receiver would be better in every possibly way.
[/quote]

I'm still a Coles fan. People want to complain that he left the team twice for financial reasons but can you blame the guy? He knew what he was doing...he got overpaid by the skins...we traded for him back with the contract he wanted. Last year he was guaranteed something like 6 million but he knew he could make more else where. The jets renegotiated his contract and cut him loose and he got a 4 year 30 mill contract from the Bengals. He obviously didn't stick around long in Cinci but the guy made more than the 6 million the Jets were going to pay him. I actually just looked it up. He made 9.75 million last year. Like him or not he made some great financial decisions in his career. The guy is 32 and his career is almost over...he had to take advantage while he still could. I don't blame him a bit.

While there may not be a whole lot of interest for him now...he's a Jet and would be a reliable 3rd WR. He did have 5 TD's 500 yards and played a full season in a run first offense in 2009. If he was able to play in the Bengals offense, I think he may have another year left in him for the green and white. He is a pretty decent blocker and still has a good relationship with the organization.

"I'm glad that the Gillette field was soft and messy since I spent so much time down on it."-Tom Brady

[quote name='extmenace' date='06 April 2010 - 11:41 AM' timestamp='1270579302' post='299517']
I'm still a Coles fan. People want to complain that he left the team twice for financial reasons but can you blame the guy? He knew what he was doing...he got overpaid by the skins...we traded for him back with the contract he wanted. Last year he was guaranteed something like 6 million but he knew he could make more else where. The jets renegotiated his contract and cut him loose and he got a 4 year 30 mill contract from the Bengals. He obviously didn't stick around long in Cinci but the guy made more than the 6 million the Jets were going to pay him. I actually just looked it up. He made 9.75 million last year. Like him or not he made some great financial decisions in his career. The guy is 32 and his career is almost over...he had to take advantage while he still could. I don't blame him a bit.

While there may not be a whole lot of interest for him now...he's a Jet and would be a reliable 3rd WR. He did have 5 TD's 500 yards and played a full season in a run first offense in 2009. If he was able to play in the Bengals offense, I think he may have another year left in him for the green and white. He is a pretty decent blocker and still has a good relationship with the organization.
[/quote]

I agree, I would like to have coles back as well. He is tough and would be a great #3 reciever for us for a few years. Coles is a Jet and always will be a Jet and he knows this. He is always welcome

[quote name='extmenace' date='06 April 2010 - 02:41 PM' timestamp='1270579302' post='299517']
I'm still a Coles fan. People want to complain that he left the team twice for financial reasons but can you blame the guy? He knew what he was doing...he got overpaid by the skins...we traded for him back with the contract he wanted. Last year he was guaranteed something like 6 million but he knew he could make more else where. The jets renegotiated his contract and cut him loose and he got a 4 year 30 mill contract from the Bengals. He obviously didn't stick around long in Cinci but the guy made more than the 6 million the Jets were going to pay him. I actually just looked it up. He made 9.75 million last year. Like him or not he made some great financial decisions in his career. The guy is 32 and his career is almost over...he had to take advantage while he still could. I don't blame him a bit.

While there may not be a whole lot of interest for him now...he's a Jet and would be a reliable 3rd WR. He did have 5 TD's 500 yards and played a full season in a run first offense in 2009. If he was able to play in the Bengals offense, I think he may have another year left in him for the green and white. He is a pretty decent blocker and still has a good relationship with the organization.
[/quote]

A reliable receiver means he would have reliable hands, which he doesnt. therefore, im sorry, but your point is moot. There is no point in having a receiver in his 30's who is only getting slower and more fragile, and who has drop issues(most of which are near or in the endzone). You can keep the 500 yards and 5 tds, cus if we bring in a rookie we can have the same chance at getting similar numbers that coles would(in our offense) only we would have a chance to groom him and would have him at the beginning of his career and not the end.

I used to be a Coles fan. Didnt like it when he lef us for the Skins but was still ok with him coming back then. Then he starts with his cry baby bull$hit whenever his lover Chad was questioned about being able to perform. While its admirable that he stuck up for his boy, like he has said himself on many occasions, this is a business. Its a business when it works out for him but he cries like a b!tch when it doesn't.

Coles is one concussion short of retirement. The ONLY way I'd want him back for a third stint is if its at league minimum for a vet receiver. He's more risk than reward now, so I would personally pass on him. Ten to one says he lands with the Fins if Tanny doesnt bring him back. I also say the only way Tanny brings him back is if we dont get the WR he really wants via FA/RFA or the draft.

Coles is the second coming of Meshawn Johnson with the exception that Meshawn can probably still play at a higher level than Coles.

I will not be forgotten. This is my time to shine. I've got the scars to prove it. Only the strong survive.

[quote name='FlyHiJets' date='06 April 2010 - 08:58 PM' timestamp='1270601907' post='299541']
Coles is the second coming of Meshawn Johnson with the exception that Meshawn can probably still play at a higher level than Coles.
[/quote]

[quote name='santana' date='06 April 2010 - 08:47 PM' timestamp='1270601227' post='299538']
my only pro argument for coles is that we keep grooming these young WRs but none of them have yet to make an impact for us. besides stuckey getting traded for some value.

you could argue this for any veteran WR available.. besides cotchery we have yet to make a starter out of any [b]wr drafted beyond round 3[/b]
[/quote]

Thats why we draft a wr before round 3 this year[img]http://nyjetsfan.com/forum2/public/style_emoticons/default/exciting-32.png[/img] [img]http://nyjetsfan.com/forum2/public/style_emoticons/default/grimace-32.png[/img]

Santanna Moss was a playmaker for us, take round 1. Besides him what receiver have we taken in the 1st 2 rounds since Keyshawn?

look, the likes of Marcus Henry and Brad Smith(who doesnt really count as drafted as a wr), are projects you hope pan out. Smith has panned out for different uses but not as a great receiving threat. You dont usually draft guys in the later rounds and think that is going to be your #1 receiver in the future. does it happen? yes, but those are surprise players like Marques Colston. If you asked the Saints war room that day if they thought Colston would do half of what hes done already they'd think your nuts.

Teams draft people they BELIEVE to be #1 receiver talent early, unless they think they can steal one in the late rounds but thats rare. so if you truely want a fair and legit chance at us grooming our own, you gotta draft a serious and legit wr prospect.

Santanna Moss was a playmaker for us, take round 1. Besides him what receiver have we taken in the 1st 2 rounds since Keyshawn?

look, the likes of Marcus Henry and Brad Smith(who doesnt really count as drafted as a wr), are projects you hope pan out. Smith has panned out for different uses but not as a great receiving threat. You dont usually draft guys in the later rounds and think that is going to be your #1 receiver in the future. does it happen? yes, but those are surprise players like Marques Colston. If you asked the Saints war room that day if they thought Colston would do half of what hes done already they'd think your nuts.

Teams draft people they BELIEVE to be #1 receiver talent early, unless they think they can steal one in the late rounds but thats rare. so if you truely want a fair and legit chance at us grooming our own, you gotta draft a serious and legit wr prospect.
[/quote]

[quote name='Clemens11' date='07 April 2010 - 01:31 AM' timestamp='1270600291' post='299535']
A reliable receiver means he would have reliable hands, which he doesnt. therefore, im sorry, but your point is moot. There is no point in having a receiver in his 30's who is only getting slower and more fragile, and who has drop issues(most of which are near or in the endzone). You can keep the 500 yards and 5 tds, cus if we bring in a rookie we can have the same chance at getting similar numbers that coles would(in our offense) only we would have a chance to groom him and would have him at the beginning of his career and not the end.
[/quote]

But he'd only be brought back as a backup - and Coles would know that too - so I don't see why it is considered a huge no-no bringing back a solid veteran receiver. He may come with a bit of baggage, but he wouldn't be coming back to be a playmaker. Heck, why not add Coles and a rookie? The more targets for Sanchez the better, and you're going to have to wait for the rookie to adjust to the NFL at first.

[quote name='Smedsthejet' date='07 April 2010 - 01:40 PM' timestamp='1270662031' post='299591']
But he'd only be brought back as a backup - and Coles would know that too - so I don't see why it is considered a huge no-no bringing back a solid veteran receiver. He may come with a bit of baggage, but he wouldn't be coming back to be a playmaker. Heck, why not add Coles and a rookie? The more targets for Sanchez the better, and you're going to have to wait for the rookie to adjust to the NFL at first.
[/quote]

Reasons why that is a bad idea:

1. Money(even though its uncapped i doubt coles takes a paycut and would take a one year deal therefore he will eventually count against the cap)

2. The rookie receiver will be held back if coles is placed above him, therefore it will take even longer to groom the rook. Keep coles out and let the receiver make plays and learn under fire, he isnt a qb, so he wont need to be babied. By your reasoning developing a rookie as a #3 would be perfect becuase there arent expectations that are to high but yet he can still make plays and be another target for Sanchez.

3. What about Clowney? How many times have we gone with 5 wrs on the field last year? So how are you going to expect us to use Coles, Edwards, Clowney, Cotchery, and a rookie plus if we want Keller staying in? Again coles is just taking up space.

4. What is worse? a starter complaining or a bench player complaining? you tell me[img]http://nyjetsfan.com/forum2/public/style_emoticons/default/grimace-32.png[/img]

5. WE WANT A PLAYMAKER! the whole point of getting another wr is to get a PLAYMAKING wr, not some guy on his last leg looking for his last payday who cant make plays anymore. We need another homerun hitter, not joe blow.

6. Coles is not solid. He is slower, he has issues holding onto the ball, whether it be drops or fumbles, and he has durability issues.

Final thing ill say about Coles: as previously stated by someone else, he is one concussion away from forced retirement. Why pay a guy that has a high chance of being gone with one more hit? Obviously and sadly, anyone's career can end on one play, but Coles is a lot more likely than most. So why pay a guy and waste a roster spot on a guy who could get paid to sit on the sideline with his final concussion then retire?

1. Money(even though its uncapped i doubt coles takes a paycut and would take a one year deal therefore he will eventually count against the cap)

2. The rookie receiver will be held back if coles is placed above him, therefore it will take even longer to groom the rook. Keep coles out and let the receiver make plays and learn under fire, he isnt a qb, so he wont need to be babied. By your reasoning developing a rookie as a #3 would be perfect becuase there arent expectations that are to high but yet he can still make plays and be another target for Sanchez.

3. What about Clowney? How many times have we gone with 5 wrs on the field last year? So how are you going to expect us to use Coles, Edwards, Clowney, Cotchery, and a rookie plus if we want Keller staying in? Again coles is just taking up space.

4. What is worse? a starter complaining or a bench player complaining? you tell me[img]http://nyjetsfan.com/forum2/public/style_emoticons/default/grimace-32.png[/img]

5. WE WANT A PLAYMAKER! the whole point of getting another wr is to get a PLAYMAKING wr, not some guy on his last leg looking for his last payday who cant make plays anymore. We need another homerun hitter, not joe blow.

6. Coles is not solid. He is slower, he has issues holding onto the ball, whether it be drops or fumbles, and he has durability issues.

Final thing ill say about Coles: as previously stated by someone else, he is one concussion away from forced retirement. Why pay a guy that has a high chance of being gone with one more hit? Obviously and sadly, anyone's career can end on one play, but Coles is a lot more likely than most. So why pay a guy and waste a roster spot on a guy who could get paid to sit on the sideline with his final concussion then retire?
[/quote]

To answer a couple of your points: by this point in his career Coles isn't going to be looking for a payday - he got a decent cheque from the Bengals after all, whilst I think he would be content with having a backup role (the portrayal of him as a whinger is exaggerated IMO given that all I can remember him griping about was the intensity of Mangini's training camps and that never seemed to strain their relationship). In regards to Clowney - he was hardly used probably because he isn't a very good receiver. He's had two years on the roster now and has only ever shown in preseason. On the issue of a playmaker, is that not what Edwards' role is meant to be? Tall, fast and can stretch the field?
Out of a #3 WR you can't expect eye dropping numbers, and Coles still had a decent year in Cincinatti, in which he stayed healthy.
We're disagreeing over what we think needs in terms of receivers - you believe the team needs a playmaker, whilst I see the team requiring depth and someone who can produce at either #3 or #4 on the depth chart.